This may be known as Music City, but it also has one heck of an independent bookstore. The main reason is Ann Patchett, the best-selling novelist of "Bel Canto" and "State of Wonder" and the just-released collection of essays "This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage." She opened Parnassus Books in November 2011.

Her cozy store is named in honor of Mount Parnassus, the home of literature and music in Greek mythology. While Patchett's name adds cachet, business partner Karen Hayes takes care of day-to-day operations.

"The best part about bookselling is getting people to read the books I love," Patchett said. "For me, the experience of reading a book isn't really complete until I've found someone to share it with."

The 2,500-square-foot store is in a strip mall in the Green Hills neighborhood, just up the street from the Bluebird Cafe, a celebrated music venue.

With the exception of Lawrence Ferlinghetti and his City Lights Books store in San Francisco, Patchett probably is the most famous bookseller in the nation. In 2012, Time called her one of the most influential people in the world.

Serendipity plays its part at Parnassus (I bought books that I didn't even know I wanted). With an eye toward future generations, it also has a strong children's selection. Parnassus hosts regular big-name authors, but the store also partners with local artists. And, like any self-respecting indie bookstore, Parnassus has its own house pets: rescue pups Sparky, Opie and Gracie.